Annual Ferry Deficit Report

Skagit County reports a loss of $738,664 for Guemes Ferry operations in the last fiscal year, ending June 2007.

4. Discussion - 2008 Guemes Island Ferry Annual Operational and Performance Report

Ron Panzero, Guemes Island Ferry Operations Manager, presented the November 2007 Guemes Island Ferry Annual Report. He stated 2007 was a relatively normal year for ferry ridership. The passenger count is up 5.5% over year-to-date figures from 2006 and vehicle traffic is up 2.6% for the same time period. Actual ferry revenues did not meet the revenue target for 2007.

The target was missed by the amount of $42,509. Public Works is pursuing cost saving efforts to reduce overall costs, which include combining the Ferry Operations Manager and Senior Master position into one position, which resulted in operational savings of approximately $40,000 per year.

Subject to discussions with the Ferry Collective Bargaining Unit, beginning January 1, 2008, the ferry base crew size will be a three-person crew. The fourth crew member will be brought on during busy periods to increase ridership in order to maintain ferry schedules. Ferry shipyard repair periods have been changed from a 24-month cycle to a 12-month cycle.

Mr. Panzero indicated until the full impact of operational changes are realized, a general fare increase is not recommended for 2008. They are working through the roundtable process for minor modifications between classification of fares and multiple ticket discounts. He went on to say projected 2008 fare revenue is anticipated to be $846,000, which assumes a summer surcharge.

Skagit County Guemes Ferry Deficit Report [48kb PDF]

- SCPW, 8.30.7